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Monthly Archives: December 2016

English Premier League giant Chelsea are already planning for the forthcoming season.

The club reportedly wants to bring Radja Nainggolan to Stamford Bridge at all costs despite losing out this season. La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that the Blues also want Roma’s Kostas Manolas next summer. The report claims that Chelsea manager Antonio Conte is a big fan of the pair and really wants them to join his squad next season.

Nainggolan stats are one of the reasons any top side would want him. According to OptaPaolo, the player has “made the most recoveries over the last 5 Serie A campaigns (1325) among outfield players.” After Roma tied down Nainggolan for a long term this summer, it would cost Chelsea a lot to meet his release clause. However, the Giallorossi have angered the player, as he did not get the promised pay rise despite tying him until 2020.
On the other hand, the club is hesitant in meeting Manolas’ £2.58 million annual salary in a new deal. This might push the player Chelsea’s way. With the form and stability in the Chelsea team, Conte would want the tireless players to contribute next season. Nainggolan would surely provide competition for Nemanja Matic and N’Golo Kante though their partnership has been very rewarding of late.

Though Manolas remains a target for Man United, Chelsea are keen in getting the player in a bid to improve defensive options. Kurt Zouma’s return is being awaited, but with Branislav Ivanovic and John Terry possibly following John Obi Mikel out off the team at the end of the season, then Manolas would be a good option. The Greek player is one of the most reliable players at the back in the Serie A. Both players still have enough time on their current contracts but Chelsea would be hoping to lure the players at the end of the current season.